Saturday, December 26, 2009

Shades Of Grey by Jasper Fforde this is a first book in a projected trilogy. After an apocalypse society is structured by the range of color individuals can see. There are a complex series of regulations, punishments and restrictions. Those that fall foul are given demerits. Our hero is sent out to an outlying community to work off a punishment with his father. All is not as it seems there are conspiracies within conspiracies and much double crossing. The world building is magnificent. Fforde has gone above and beyond as far as making these arbitrary regulations seem real. I was less impressed with some of the characterization. I'm getting tired of the quick to violence, sarcastic female lead that the male lead is terrified by but attracted to. Two female characters say nearly the same sarcastic comment. That struck me as being sloppy editing. I will be pre-ordering the sequel. A rare action for me.

Highly recommended!

Note:This book was provided through Librarything's early reviewer Program.

3 comments:

For a book you obviously enjoyed, that was a rather brief review. Although that may look like friendly criticism (and was initially intended as such), it can also be interpreted as: "Wow, this reviewer has a lot of self-control to be able to condense his thoughts like that! That takes talent, especially on a topic he is opinionated about!" However, I remind you I felt a bit 'jipped'

Ah, I see that now. Your consistency has been noted, and is indeed somewhat remarkable. I myself have a propensity for verbosity, as you can probably see. And, I enjoy a good rant. Still, no specific questions at this time, but it occurs to me that a brief review carries more weight when the writer is somehow authoritative and/or personally known. My familiarity with your writings is limited at this time, and I apologize. My Blogspot tenure is mere months.